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Who can forget Michael Petrie’s fabulous exhibit at the 2011 Flower Show? Known for his beautiful creations comprised of objets trouves (found objects), Petrie’s works are one-of-a-kind and blur the line between trash and treasure.

You can see his affinity for found objects at Michael Petrie’s Handmade Gardens, located in Downingtown, PA. You can also learn more about his aesthetic approach in this philly.com article.

As he says, “Art is put into a garden because you have a connection to it. Garden art should have soul. It should have personality. You can’t just go out and buy stuff and plunk it in your yard.” Read the article, and check out past blogs on this renaissance garden artist!

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As you may have seen on Facebook, the carousel animals from the 2011 Flower Show are making an encore appearance this summer on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Nine creatures – animals, insects and other whimsical beasts brought to life with plant materials – were installed around Logan Square as part of today’s City in Bloom event.

PHS prez Drew Becher says, “The installation of the carousel animals is the first in a series of “PHS Pops Up” events that will transform sites around the city, and surprise and inspire residents and visitors.”

Now that the animals are settled in, it seems only fitting that we honor them with names. Simply suggest clever, creative names for our magnificent menagerie, and you’ll be entered to win a fabulous prize from Meadowbrook Farm. You can also vote for your favorite. Click here to enter the Carousel Contest!

Kids are invited to get in on the fun, too! PHS wants budding artists (ages 4 – 15) to submit drawings and doodles of the carousel animals. Drew Becher and Flower Show designer Sam Lemheney will select three winners and those young people will win a prize (and have their artwork displayed in the PHS McLean Library). Paints, markers, crayons, charcoal–anything goes! Send entries to PHS Carousel Contest, 100 N. 20th Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103.

Check out the PHS Facebook page for photo albums of the events. (You don’t need a Facebook account to see all the smiling faces!) And if you missed out on the fun, hit the “like” button to stay informed on what’s ahead.

Summer bulbs are ideal for containers and add color to mixed garden borders without taking up much space. Horticulturist Lucille Amadie will focus on how to make the most of these versatile plants. Details

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Today is the day! After work this evening, come to Fairmount Park’s spectacular Azalea Garden and party with PHS. The whole family is invited to this rain-or-shine celebration!

This year’s Party in the Garden, formerly known as the Azalea Garden Party, is receiving a makeover thanks to the innovative designs of David Fierabend and Groundswell Design Group. You may remember David from his breathtaking interpretation of Monet’s Allée at this year’s Flower Show.

The Party in the Garden also offers fun family programs from the Please Touch Museum and live music. Today’s the day—click hereto purchase tickets (you may also buy them upon arrival).

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Too busy during the daytime to cultivate your gardening passion? You’re in luck! PHS is offering an evening lecture to meld your inner creativity with your love for gardening.

Famous for her descriptions of both famous and hidden landscapes, Paula Deitz will be at the PHS Auditorium on Wednesday, May 11 at 6 pm to share her experiences from her extensive travels.

As in her new book, Of Gardens: Selected Essays, Paula will describe her great adventures of continual discovery, highlighting the artful beauty of individual gardens and the intellectual and historical threads that weave them together. She will relate how people, over many centuries and in many lands, have expressed their originality by devoting themselves to cultivation and conservation. Click here for more details and to register.